Basketball Coaching

Your core knowledge of the game is essential; the rules, the history, strategies, and techniques. But just knowing the game will not translate to a successful experience for your team.

Be sure that you understand that each player has an individual learning style and what works for one youngster may not work for another. You must to learn how to reach each athlete as an individual, in the context of the team. You will have to discover what their motivations for playing are, what type of reward system works for the players, and what type of "reminder" (punishment) will serve as the greatest deterrent for inappropriate behavior.

Players have their preferences for leadership. Some will respond to loud yelling, but most will not. Some will respond if you create a fun and competitive environment where winning and losing happens, but the importance is on playing hard and doing your best. It is your job as coach to learn how they learn, and teach accordingly.

If it is worth your time and effort to come to the field or the gym and coach, it should be worth your time to be excited and eager about the practice or game. Your enthusiasm will rub off on the players and they will learn the value of effort and passion. Enthusiasm is the best contagious disease you could possibly spread! Teach them the right ways to be enthusiastic by recognizing a great play with a high five and cheering their teammates on no matter the score or outcome.

Do you remember when you couldn't shoot a layup? What about all the times you struck out in Little League? How many passes did you drop in Pee Wee Football? Understand that the athletes you coach are learning the rules and skills necessary to compete. Try to remember what it was like for you growing up: you wanted sooo bad to do things the right way, but your body and mind sometimes wouldn't let you.

Do not become upset with the youngsters you coach. Do you really think they are kicking the ball down the field the wrong way on purpose? Do you think they are not blocking out on rebounds to spite you? HAHAHA. You know they aren't intentionally making mistakes to lose the game, so be calm and let them learn and work through the process of trial and error.

Fact: The referees are NOT out to get you.
Fact: The parents are NOT going to like everything you do.
Fact: The players are watching and listening to you, even if you don't think they are.

Try to avoid letting the game become so important to you that you are unable to think clearly. When your emotions are running high, don't take it out on others, especially the players and game officials. There are some things you can't control (made baskets, defensive stops, mental breakdowns and referee's calls) and some you can (your attitude, the effort level of your team, and your words).

Focus on what you can dictate and not what you can't control. The game is meant to be fun, but if you are an out of control, overbearing coach that yells at every call and barks commands on every play, your players will learn to dislike the game and maybe even you! Stay in control of your emotions and take notice of how your players maintain their composure as well.

Many coaches have their philosophy in their head, but don't have it written down. Let it be written, let it be accomplished. You need to write your philosophy down on paper so that you can have a roadmap to guide you as you coach. Your philosophy is what you come back to when you need motivation or a refresher on coaching. Let you philosophy steer you.

Your coaching philosophy is not a static document that you create one time and only pull out once a year. It is something that evolves with you over time and grows and changes as you do. This dynamic coaching philosophy will allow you to make sound choices and have a firm foundation on which you can build.